RAPID-CRISPR /Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): A new test called RAPID-CRISPR, developed by ACTREC, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, using CRISPR technology, can quickly and accurately diagnose acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in under three hours and at lower cost than existing tests.

• About Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): It is a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, a cancer that affects blood cells.

o It is caused by a genetic mutation where two genes, PML and RARA, mistakenly fuse together.

o This leads to the production of fewer white blood cells and platelets, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and control bleeding.

oAPL can cause severe internal bleeding in organs like the lungs and brain, potentially resulting in death within days if untreated.

• About: RAPID-CRISPR (Redefined Apl IDentification) test uses CRISPR technology to detect the PML-RARA gene mutation in patient’s peripheral blood sample.

o The test delivers results in under three hours, costs less than existing tests, and does not require complex lab equipment.

o It works by cutting the PML-RARA gene and triggering a signal detected by a strip similar to a home pregnancy test.

• About CRISPR Technology: CRISPR has two applications: Gene editing & Molecular diagnosis.

o In RAPID-CRISPR, CRISPR is used for molecular diagnosis by detecting and cutting specific gene mutations and triggering detectable signals.